title: Necrotizing soft tissue infections.
abstract: Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) are infrequent yet highly lethal infections, and a high index of suspicion is required for early diagnosis. Diagnosing NSTIs early can be challenging, and knowledge of the available tools is essential to provide appropriate treatment. The mainstay of treatment is early and complete surgical debridement combined with antimicrobial therapy, close monitoring with further debridement as needed, and physiologic support. Mortality continues to be high, and delayed surgical treatment is the most important risk factor. For the long-term recovery of patients with NSTI, providing early physiologic and nutritional support and physical rehabilitation is essential.
authors.affiliation: Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza (BCM390), Houston, TX 77030, USA.
authors.forename: Qaali A
authors.initials: QA
authors.lastname: Hussein
authors.forename: Daniel A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Anaya
mesh_terms: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003646:Debridement / Q000379:methods; D019115:Fasciitis, Necrotizing / Q000097:blood / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D018461:Soft Tissue Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents
keywords: Clostridial infection; Gangrene; Group A streptococcal infection; NSTI; Necrotizing fasciitis; Necrotizing soft tissue infections